Real-time order picking of a robotic put wall: a simulation-based metaheuristic optimisation Online publication date: Thu, 22-Aug-2024
by Jianbin Xin; Ziyuan Kang; Andrea D'Ariano; Lina Yao
International Journal of Automation and Control (IJAAC), Vol. 18, No. 5, 2024
Abstract: A robotic put wall has the potential to significantly enhance picking productivity in the logistics industry. This paper introduces a new computational method for scheduling a robotic put wall system that processes randomly arriving items. The method comprises a simulation-based model and a customised metaheuristic that optimises performance at regular intervals. The simulation model is developed using advanced discrete-event software that can include operational details of the picking process. The genetic algorithm with a new encoding scheme is tailored to solve the combinatorial optimisation problem of determining the appropriate destinations. To evaluate the proposed method, case studies based on real-world applications in a put wall manufacturing company were used. The method outperforms three rule-based real-time scheduling methods, as demonstrated by the results. Moreover, the integrated approach can determine the minimum number of vehicles required.
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